Last week I got to see the power of community involvement through a passion project I run and it was a very humbling experience.
I run the local family-friendly professional wrestling promotion, Barrie Wrestling.
We run monthly at 49 Ferris Lane and perform as part of Canada Day and Kempenfest. The majority of the talent are from the GTA and southern Ontario, with some from New York.
About a month or two ago, the amazing people at Empower Simcoe asked if two of our wrestlers would be a part of their Community Champions Fashion Show, which was held Nov. 2.
Empower Simcoe officials saw us perform at Kempenfest and loved the show, which led to their inquiry.
Empower Simcoe is very respected in our community and rightfully so as their mission is to improve the lives of those faced with intellectual disabilities and to ensure inclusivity.
First and foremost, the night was amazing.
The models in the show were those who use the services of Empower Simcoe and to see the pride in their faces was something I won’t soon forget. They clearly had missed the show as it took a hiatus these last two years.
There were outfits made by volunteers at Empower Simcoe that were modelled on the runway by those using the organization's services and clothing donated by giving businesses in the region.
Another thing that struck me was how lucky I am to surround myself with talent in Barrie Wrestling who have been helping give back to our community for the eight years we have been running.
The gentlemen who came to Barrie on a Wednesday were from Buffalo and Brantford.
When I asked if they were up for this, they didn’t bat an eye and the discussion of gas money didn't come up.
The backstage at the show was full of those who were not only fascinated by a couple of wrestlers hanging out, but of us in awe of how the organizers were getting the show put together.
It was really something to see as the person who could be described as the director, had everyone ready in time to head out through the curtain despite the excitement all the models were feeling.
I would love to say that the Barrie Wrestling duo of Puf and Pretty Ricky were the highlight, but a client of Empower Simcoe named Jason doing his rendition of Mr. Roboto stole the show and had everyone clapping and singing along.
The wrestlers were on last but were planning to stay for the show had they been on first.
I did not expect our wrestling show to get so involved with the local community and anticipated events, but the honour is unreal.
There are organizations in our city and region doing selfless things for people who need it and if you have a chance to help in any way through a show, event or appearance, do it.
To be part of the fashion show was something very special and I know it was to the talent who drove up the 400 to do so.
Shawn Gibson is a reporter at BarrieToday.
